ADR-009: Blockchain Explorer

Status

Done

Context

The Int3face chain requires a blockchain explorer to effectively monitor and interact with the network. An explorer will provide essential visibility into the chain's operations, allowing for real-time and historical analysis of blocks, transactions, and addresses. It's crucial for both developers and stakeholders to trace transaction histories, audit balances, and verify network activity, enhancing transparency and trust in the Int3face chain.

Steps to implement

1. Research:

   • Evaluate existing blockchain explorers that support Cosmos SDK.
   • Compare features, options, and security measures to identify the best fit for our needs.

2. Deploy local explorer:

   • Prepare a dedicated node to run the explorer software.
   • Configure the explorer to connect to the Int3face chain and index relevant data.

3. Integration into public explorer:

   • Choose a public blockchain explorer to integrate with.
   • Prepare the necessary code and APIs to feed Int3face chain data into the explorer.
   • Collaborate with the development team of an explorer to integrate the Int3face chain.
   • Ensure that the explorer accurately represents Int3face chain data and provides real-time updates.

Research

Existing blockchain explorers

Top most used block explorers offered by the Cosmos ecosystem: https://cosmos.network/block-explorers/

1. MintScan:

   • Official website: MintScan.
   • Closed-source, proprietary explorer developed by Cosmostation.
   • Leading, most robust explorer for Cosmos SDK-based chains, on 07.24 has:
     • 80 mainnets & testnets
   • Can be requested to extension through the fork of chainlist repository.
   • Features:
     • Multiple networks support
       • Cosmos SDK based chains (Cosmos, Osmosis, Celestia, etc)
       • EVM compatible chains (Kava)
     • Detailed information on (with examples by Celestia):
       • Informative dashboard: example
       • Validators: example
       • Blocks: example
       • Transactions: example
       • Assets: example
       • Accounts: example
       • Proposals: example
       • Relayers: example
       • DApps ecosystem: example
       • Blockchain parameters: example

2. Ping.Pub Dashboard:

   • Official website: Ping Dashboard.
   • Open-source explorer developed by Ping.pub.
   • Most widely used explorer, encountered on 07.24 has:
     • 113 mainnets & testnets.
   • Features:
     • Supports Cosmos SDK based chains.
     • Provides detailed information on (with examples by Cosmos Hub):
       • Dashboard: example
       • Blockchain parameters: example
       • Governance: example
       • Staking: example
       • Blocks: example
       • Transactions: example
       • Uptime: example
       • IBC: example
       • Supply: example
       • Consensus state: example
       • Cosmwasm: example
       • State sync: example
       • Widgets: example
   • Architecture:
     • Consists only from a light client (frontend app) which fetches data from a full-nodes without any caching.
     • Scheme:
       • 

3. Big Dipper:

   • Official website: Big Dipper.
   • Open-source explorer developed by Forbole.
   • Has two versions:
     • Big Dipper (legacy) monolithic explorer.
     • Big Dipper 2.0 modular explorer.
   • Popular explorer, encountered on 07.24 has:
     • 43 mainnets & testnets.
   • Features:
     • Supports Cosmos SDK based chains.
     • Provides information on (with examples by Cheqd):
       • Overview: example
       • Blocks: example
       • Validators: example
       • Transactions: example
       • Proposals: example
       • Accounts: example
       • Blockchain params: example
   • Architecture:
     • Consists of a
       • Frontend UI App
       • Three backend components
         • PostgresSQL DB: used as a cache to improve performance.
         • BDJuno: a middleware that fetches data from the full-node and stores it in the DB.
         • Hasura: a GraphQL API that serves data to the frontend.
     • Scheme:
       • 

Comparative Table of Blockchain Explorers

Explorer	Network Support	Data Visualization	User Interface	API Access	Real-time Updates	Search Functionality	Customizability	Security Features	Mobile Responsiveness	Integration Ease
MintScan	Cosmos SDK based, EVM compatible chains	Blocks, Transactions, Validators, Assets	Highly intuitive and detailed	Yes	Yes	Transactions, blocks, addresses	Limited	Standard HTTPS and data validation	Fully responsive	Moderate to high
Ping Dashboard	Cosmos SDK based chains	Validators, Proposals, Governance	Simplified and minimalistic	Limited API capabilities	Yes	Limited to blocks and validators	High (modular components)	Basic security measures	Responsive	High
Big Dipper	Cosmos SDK based chains	Blocks, Transactions, Validators, Voting power	Detailed with rich features	Extensive API for developers	Yes	Extensive, including transactions, blocks, addresses	Moderate	HTTPS, rate limiting	Fully responsive	High

Solution

• Installed a local Big Dipper explorer to monitor the Int3face chain. UI: Big Dipper